Exploring Life in Azerbaijan: A guide for expats and locals

By Katie May | Update on: Jan 14, 2025

Exploring life in Azerbaijan presents a captivating journey for both expats and locals. This journey offers a unique blend of rich culture, modern amenities, and a welcoming community for foreigners.

In this article, we will delve into various aspects of life in Baku Azerbaijan which serves as the heart of the nation’s vibrant lifestyle.

Table of Contents

Overview of Life in Azerbaijan
Life in Azerbaijan for foreigners: A guide to culture, cost, and community
Practical guides to the way of life in Azerbaijan

Overview of Life in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences where ancient traditions meet modern development. Life here is vibrant, with a mix of bustling city life in Baku, rich cultural traditions that attract both tourists and expats.

Azerbaijan’s culture is shaped by its history and geographic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The country’s multi-ethnic society is generally welcoming to newcomers, with a strong sense of hospitality embedded in Azerbaijani culture. For those seeking new opportunities, life in Azerbaijan for foreigners presents an appealing mix of cultural richness and modern living.

Is living in Azerbaijan safe?

Azerbaijan is considered a safe country for both locals and expatriates. The government has taken strict measures to ensure the safety of tourists. Especially, violent crime against foreigners in Azerbaijan is very rare and the presence of tourist police enhances security in popular areas.

Azerbaijan is considered a safe country for both locals and expatriates

Azerbaijan is considered a safe country for both locals and expatriates

Getting around Baku and in Azerbaijan

Traffic in Baku is generally heavy due to residents using their own vehicles, taxis, the metro and buses. If you own a vehicle in Azerbaijan, you must go to the Customs Department and the Azerbaijan Traffic Police General Department to obtain a vehicle registration card and license plate. We recommend that you obtain an international driving permit valid for three years to ensure road safety.

Moving to Azerbaijan with entry formalities

All travelers are required to have a valid visa to stay in Azerbaijan. Except for nationals of Russia and former Soviet republics. The visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the issued date. Foreigners who plan to stay in Azerbaijan for more than three days must register with the State Migration Service within three days of arrival in the country and inform them of their departure.

To work in Azerbaijan, you must have a valid work permit and a temporary residence permit. You can apply for one from the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

All travelers are required to have a valid visa to stay in Azerbaijan

All travelers are required to have a valid visa to stay in Azerbaijan

Life in Azerbaijan for foreigners: A guide to culture, cost, and community

Baku is becoming a popular place for settlers because of its rich oil and gas resources, offering job opportunities. Moreover, the combination of modern amenities and historical sites makes it an interesting place to live for expats.

Cultural integration and community

Life in Baku Azerbaijan is known for its warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Locals in Azerbaijan are often eager to make foreigners feel at home, extending a warm welcome and inviting them to social gatherings, celebrations, or meals. By accepting these invitations, newcomers can gain a deeper understanding of the culture and build meaningful friendships. Thanks to its diverse community, life in Baku Azerbaijan is especially appealing to expats looking for a place to settle.

In particular, the majority of people settling in Azerbaijan are Russians and Americans. People can participate in local cultural events, festivals, and celebrations to easily adapt to life here and become a part of this community.

Cost of living and housing

Azerbaijan offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries, making it an attractive destination for expats seeking a comfortable lifestyle. Basic goods and services such as food, public transportation in Baku, and utilities are generally inexpensive.

For those interested in Baku expat life, it’s worth noting that housing costs can vary widely depending on the type, location, and condition of the property. While some may find Baku’s central areas more expensive, there are still affordable options in nearby neighborhoods or even in other cities and rural areas. Overall, life in Azerbaijan combines affordability and quality, appealing to both locals and expats alike.

Azerbaijan offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries

Employment opportunities for expats

Life in Azerbaijan for foreigners includes a variety of employment opportunities, particularly in sectors tied to the country’s expanding economy. Azerbaijan’s economy is heavily reliant on its oil and gas sector, which has been a major driver of the country’s economic growth. Foreigners with expertise in engineering, energy, project management, and technical fields will find a wealth of job opportunities in this sector.

To work in Azerbaijan, foreigners will need a work permit or residency visa. The type of visa depends on the nature of the job and the employer. Many international companies assist expats in navigating the visa and permit process. Additionally, business owners and entrepreneurs can apply for residency permits to live and work in the country.

Practical guides to the way of life in Azerbaijan

Safety and security in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has low levels of serious crime, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. It's best to avoid dark areas in Baku's city center, where muggings and robberies can happen. Foreigners should be careful and keep their valuables hidden when walking in central Baku or in smaller, more isolated villages like Gabaran and Ebrahim. Women, especially, should avoid walking alone at night, as they might be more vulnerable to assault. In an emergency, call 102 for the police.

Education in Azerbaijan

For families moving to Azerbaijan, there are many school options for their children, including both public and private schools.

In Azerbaijan, public schools usually teach in Azerbaijani and Russian, while some international schools offer education in English and other languages, giving expat families choices that fit their children’s needs.

Many expat families choose to send their children to private international schools, like Azerbaijan International School and the British School in Baku. These private international schools follow a European-style curriculum and offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

For families moving to Azerbaijan there are many school options for their children

For families moving to Azerbaijan there are many school options for their children

Healthcare in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's healthcare system is primarily structured around the public and private sectors. To enhance service delivery and upgrade healthcare facilities, the government has made significant investments. Nowadays, the healthcare system in Azerbaijan is improving, with modern hospitals and clinics in Baku.

Expats are encouraged to purchase health insurance because of some advantages such as covering medical expenses, especially if opting for private care. Some companies provide health insurance to employees, but expats should purchase their coverage to ensure access to the best facilities.

Until now, there are approximately 1,174 hospitals in Azerbaijan with around 656 classified as private institutions. The introduction of mandatory health insurance in 2021 marked a significant shift towards improving access to healthcare services for all citizens.

In short, Azerbaijan offers a diverse and diverse lifestyle and plenty of growth for everyone. Living in Azerbaijan has more to offer than you might think, not only the friendly locals and the low cost of living, but there are plenty of things to do for fun.

Ready to dive into this unique Eurasian experience? Living in Azerbaijan can be as exciting or as relaxing as you like - so explore, connect and enjoy the journey!

You can apply e-visa Azerbaijan through the website Azerbaijan Immigration Services

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